Cue-Centered Therapy for Youth Experiencing Posttraumatic Symptoms

A Structured, Multi-Modal Intervention, Therapist Guide

Victor G. Carrión

Description

Trauma can be defined as exposure to a shocking, distressing, or emotionally painful event that can result in negative mental and physical health effects. Due to its interference with development, childhood trauma is particularly detrimental and can result in symptoms including posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, dissociation, externalizing behavioral problems, and suicidal ideation. It can increase the risk of substance use, school disengagement, and academic difficulties, and it has been associated with attentional impairment, cognitive performance, and the development of self-regulation.

Cue-Centered Therapy for Youth Experiencing Posttraumatic Symptoms presents a psychosocial treatment approach for children and adolescents who have been exposed to chronic traumatic experiences. Cue-Centered Therapy (CCT) derives its name from its focus on the conditioning process that results in sensitivity towards trauma-related cues. CCT addresses four core domains: cognition, behavior, emotions, and physiology, through a combination of empirically supported and CCT-specific interventions. This structured and flexible Therapist Guide focuses on helping the youth develop insight into his/her own patterns of behaviors and emotions. Rather than having youth attempt to "unlearn" maladaptive responses conditioned to cues, CCT focuses on creating new connections and behavioral responses. The treatment manual offers guidelines on conducting each of the sessions while respecting the individual therapist's own strengths. Through the use of visual icons, forms, and figures, the manual facilitates teaching relevant lessons. The therapy reduces negative cognitions, allows for emotional expression, identifies and changes trauma-related responses, empowers with knowledge and skills, and strengthens the relationship between the caregiver and his/her child.

Cue-Centered Therapy for Youth Experiencing Posttraumatic Symptoms

A Structured, Multi-Modal Intervention, Therapist Guide

Victor G. Carrión

Author Information

Victor G. Carrión, MD, is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Director of the Stanford Early Life Stress and Pediatric Anxiety Program at Stanford University. He is also Chair of the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. Dr. Carrión received his M.D. degree at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry, normal development, and developmental trauma at Stanford University. For the past twenty years Dr. Carrión has studied the biological, psychological, and social ramifications of early life stress and worked to develop systems of care that address this major public health issue.

Cue-Centered Therapy for Youth Experiencing Posttraumatic Symptoms

A Structured, Multi-Modal Intervention, Therapist Guide

Victor G. Carrión

Reviews and Awards

"There is not just one way to perform psychotherapy for PTSD. Dr. Carrión shows us another path as a thoughtful clinician and a rigorous researcher. I particularly like his emphasis on education and clear writing of the manual with session-by-session structure." --Michael S. Scheeringa, MD, MPH, Venancio Antonio Wander Garcia IV, MD, Chair in Psychiatry, and Vice-Chair of Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine

"This remarkable book brings a fresh new approach to the treatment of traumatized youth. Cue-Centered Therapy is special in making children the active agents of their own treatment, empowering the child to identify triggers and choose successful strategies to change the imprint of trauma on physiology, thought, feeling, and behavior. Dr. Carrión deserves much gratitude for this enormous contribution to enabling children and families to find their own resources to recover and thrive." --Alicia F. Lieberman, PhD, Professor, University of California San Francisco

Cue-Centered Therapy for Youth Experiencing Posttraumatic Symptoms

A Structured, Multi-Modal Intervention, Therapist Guide

Victor G. Carrión

From Our Blog

Consider the following scenario: Two women both lost a son in a war. One returns to work immediately and starts volunteering at an organization helping families of fallen soldiers. The other is unable to leave home, spends most of her days crying and sitting in front of her son's belongings that were left untouched. Who is more resilient? The answer largely depends on how one defines resilience.